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Laguna Beach mayor says water district will shift toward local supply after 100 years
Summary
Mayor Alex Runagi described projects to reduce Laguna Beach's reliance on imported water, including a Fountain Valley well expected to supply two-thirds of the district and a proposed desalination partnership at Doheny.
Mayor Alex Runagi said Laguna Beach's water district, marking its 100th anniversary, is pursuing projects to increase local water reliability and reduce dependence on imported water.
Runagi said the Laguna Beach County Water District, formed in 1925, secured access to a groundwater basin early in its history and that the district is now leveraging those rights to develop local sources. "We purchased land in Fountain Valley, and we're almost through the entitlement process that allow[s] us to build a well that will provide two thirds of the water for the Laguna Beach County Water District," Runagi said.
Why it matters: Runagi said the city currently relies heavily on imported supplies from sources such as the Colorado River and Northern California projects and that the Metropolitan Water District is raising rates. Local supply, he said, would reduce exposure to rising import costs.
What the district is pursuing: Runagi described two main projects. First, the Fountain Valley site tied to a well (land already purchased) is expected to supply roughly two-thirds of the district's water if entitlements are approved. Second, he said the district is "working with South Coast Water District on a desalination project at Doheny." Runagi added that the district is also coordinating with the city of Newport Beach on elements of the effort.
Timeline and uncertainty: Runagi said the shift would occur "over the next 5 to 10 years." He also noted that some percentage figures in his remarks about current imported versus future local supply were not specified in the interview.
Background and context: Runagi recounted an origin story from 1925 in which early leaders secured groundwater access by purchasing land outside Laguna Beach, enabling the city's formation. He said the district will celebrate the centennial at an evening event at the Rivian Theater.
What was not decided: No formal city council action or vote was recorded in the interview. Runagi described projects and timelines but did not report completed entitlements or regulatory approvals; he said the Fountain Valley entitlement process is "almost through" but provided no specific approval dates.
Outlook: Runagi said he is "very proud" of the district's work and "looking forward" to local water reliability for the next century.
